Measured versus calculated latent iron binding capacity in plasma of newborns

Iron overload as well as iron deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of diseases in the newborn and infant and therefore knowledge of the iron status is essential. Using an automated method for the determination of plasma latent iron-binding capacity (LIBC) we measured the LIBC in 20 full term and 20 preterm babies and 20 adults. LIBC was also calculated from transferrin and iron concentration. The measured LIBC strongly deviated from calculated LIBC in some samples and in seven of 20 preterm babies no LIBC could be detected, suggesting the presence of non-protein-bound iron fraction. The results suggest that in the neonate calculated LIBC overestimate the ability of the plasma to bind excessive iron.